January 1

The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel:
To know wisdom and instruction,
to understand words of insight,
to receive instruction in wise dealing,
in righteousness, justice, and equity;
Proverbs 1:1-3

A proverb is “a short, pregnant sentence or phrase whose meaning is applicable in many situations.”

The Hebrew word translated “proverb” is mashal, “to be compared with.” A short statement that makes a comparison or summarizes a common experience. Or maybe we would describe it as a short sentence drawn from long experience. Better yet, a proverb is the “wisdom of many and the wit of one.”

They are compressed moral experience. They pack as much meaning into as few words as possible. Our task is to unpack the proverb to see all the possibilities that lie behind the brief statement.

Chapter one verse one tells us the primary author of the book of Proverbs. The reason that I say Solomon is the “primary” author is that Solomon is not the only writer or composer of the proverbs found in this book. There are at least two or three others that we know about; so Solomon is the primary author, but not the only one.

It is important to remember that Solomon was the wisest person to ever live. You probably remember his response to God after becoming the king of Israel in 1 Kings 2:4-15. The Lord appeared to Solomon in a vision and asked him what he most wanted. Solomon requested that the Lord give him wisdom. Because this request pleased the Lord so much, the Lord granted Solomon’s desire and promised to make Solomon wiser than any who had come before him or any who would come after him.

Not only are most of these proverbs written by the wisest human to ever live, because they are Scripture, all of these proverbs were also written by the Holy Spirit. They embody the very wisdom of God.

Verses 2-3 reveal the content of wisdom. Proverbs are meant to give "wisdom and instruction" as well as understanding of "words of insight." This is truth and theology and doctrine. Proverbs are also meant to give "instruction in wise behavior, righteousness, justice, and equity." So these proverbs are meant to change our choices and define our morality.

Proverbs was not written just to sharpen an individual’s ability to be crafty or cunning. You are not truly wise if it is only on the inside. Doctrine inevitably leads to deeds. Proper orthodoxy (believing) leads to proper orthopraxy (practice). Wisdom is not a merely intellectual matter, it is a spiritual matter.

May this new year be filled with wise living.